A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
I was thrilled to receive an invitation to the VIP gala night of this year’s pantomime at Aberdeen Arts Centre. As you hopefully know by now, they have been doing lots of fundraising this year, to keep this cultural hub open for the benefit of our local community and the creative arts organisations around the city. I am always keen to support such a noble cause, plus who doesn’t love a pantomime?! This year it is the story of Robin Hood, which is a story that my husband and I have always been quite fond of, although we have different reasons from our childhoods, mine involving Michael Praed.
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This pantomime by TaleGate Theatre Productions is everything you expect from a panto: lots of (often groan worthy) jokes, slapstick humour, a bit of romance, some audience participation and even the good old-fashioned sweets thrown into the crowd! In order to keep it local it has a Doric element running through it, which makes it feel that bit more “ours”.
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The cast are all fabulous, from the tremendous dame Nurse Little Joan played by Philip Napier to the lead character Rabbie Hood played by Xander Gordon and the evil Sheriff of Aberdonia played by Hannah Buyers. Also featured are some marvellous dancers from Danz Creations who play the Sheriff’s henchmen, along with Sarah Helena Ord as Haymitch the Henchman who actually almost stole the show in my opinion. Maid Marion is obviously a key player in the story of Robin Hood and gosh can Megan Wright sing! Last but certainly not least was Corey Adam as the cheeky, but loveable Will Scarlet.
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Although you expect a smaller budget than a bigger theatre pantomime, inline with the more affordable ticket cost, there was nothing to disappoint in this set or the amazing costumes. We had pyrotechnics with all the fun stuff, spooky smoke with the sheriff, there is a massive scary dragon and Maid Marion even got to fly! No expense is spared in ensuring that any panto goers have a truly magical time, and leave feeling incredibly festive as should happen with any good pantomime.
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Roll on next year when the same group of talented people are bringing us The Snow Queen!
Further information and tickets: https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/whats-on/robin-hood
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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